Phones with SMS near Singapore launch

Fixed-line phone users in Singapore will soon be able to communicate with each other over the Short Messaging Service (SMS) platform. Using a special telephone that features an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel, users can compose, send and receive text messages just like their mobile phone counterparts. Fixed-line subscribers will also be able to communicate with cell phone users via SMS. The telephones will be available in July at Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) retail shops. According to sources, Germany's Siemens is one of the suppliers of the SMS-enabled telephone. The service is currently limited to SingTel customers. However, the company is in talks with MobileOne, StarHub Mobile and Virgin Mobile to iron out interconnection details, said SingTel spokesperson Chia Boon Chong. Irene Tham reported from Singapore. To read the full story, visit CNETAsia.